This week, we’re highlighting the RSA Conference Innovation Sandbox Contest, an engaging program during which up-and-coming startups grab the spotlight and demonstrate groundbreaking security technologies to the broader RSA Conference community.

The 2016 event marks 11 years since the contest launched at RSA Conference 2005 as Innovation Station. There is more information about past winners in our Gallery of Victors – see which ones were acquired by Cisco and Juniper, which had successful IPOs and how all received funding within a year of winning.

The annual Innovation Sandbox Contest is a half-day event that crowns the “Most Innovative Company at RSA Conference 2016.” Designed to showcase companies and individuals who are at the cutting-edge of security innovation, the 10 finalists listed below take the stage on Monday, Feb. 29 from 1-5:30 p.m. to present their solutions: Bastille Networks, illusive Networks, Menlo Security, Phantom, Prevoty, ProtectWise, SafeBreach, Skyport Systems, Vera and Versa Networks.

In addition to the competition, the Innovation Sandbox program includes:

• Session on the roads less travelled by successful startups hosted by venture capitalist and previous CEO of Symantec, Enrique Salem. Keynote by best-selling author, Peter W. Singer, on his book “NextWar: The Future of Technology and Geopolitics” and the future of cyberwar.
• Opportunities for networking with peers and visionaries.

After the Innovation Sandbox Contest wraps up, the competition area transforms into an area called The Sandbox filled with opportunities for experiential learning and networking:

• Industrial Control System (ICS) Sandbox – The ICS Sandbox allows you to interact firsthand with commonly found hardware and software used in most industries.  Additionally, you will be able to hear leading experts discuss pressing issues in control systems, such as Tom VanNorman of Counter Hack.

• Internet of Things (IoT) Sandbox – Organized by Jesus Molina, and Ted Harrington, one of the organizers of the landmark hacking event IoT Village, this exhibit highlights issues through demonstrations of vulnerable connected devices and provoking talks by thought leaders who will dissect real-world use cases, analyze the impact on both the consumer and business environments, and articulate groundbreaking research.

• SANS Netwars in The Sandbox– This program is a suite of hands-on, interactive learning scenarios that enable information security professionals to develop and master the real-world, in-depth skills they need to excel in their field. In past years, attendees consistently rated our hands-on exercises as the most valuable part of the course. Participants learn how to master the skills infosec professionals can use in their jobs every day. Fifty seats are available, so get there a few minutes early to claim your spot!

• Cryptoparties Sandbox – Check out the featured Cryptoparty sessions for the latest insights on encryption technology and innovation. Jessy Irwin, chief security evangelist at AgileBits, leads an hour-long intro on how to use encryption to protect yourself, your data and your identity using proven, secure encryption tools for multiple platforms and operating systems. Runa A. Sandvik, privacy and security researcher, shows attendees how to utilize TOR to be anonymous online and support other users of the TOR network.